The Distant Mirror

Reflections on Young Adult Historical Fiction

Fiction & Literature, Literary Theory & Criticism, Children&, Nonfiction, Reference & Language, Language Arts, Library & Information Services
Cover of the book The Distant Mirror by Joanne Brown, Nancy St. Clair, Scarecrow Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Joanne Brown, Nancy St. Clair ISBN: 9781461672692
Publisher: Scarecrow Press Publication: December 8, 2005
Imprint: Scarecrow Press Language: English
Author: Joanne Brown, Nancy St. Clair
ISBN: 9781461672692
Publisher: Scarecrow Press
Publication: December 8, 2005
Imprint: Scarecrow Press
Language: English

Young adult historical fiction brings the past alive through stories of adventure, suspense, and mystery. The genre is both complex and controversial, encompassing novels that range from romance and fantasy to stark historical realism. The book examines the various approaches to young adult historical fiction and explores the issues that it has engendered.

Part One focuses on the broader issues spawned by the genre itself, including its various subgenres - the line between fiction and fact; to what degree must an author adhere to historical accuracy?; time boundaries; the diary format; the protagonist as the outsider; who is entitled to write what?; and literary concerns such as the relationship between accuracy and readability. Part Two explores issues of contemporary interest, such as race, class, gender, the immigrant experience, religion, war, and nationalism. Thought-provoking discussions of how these elements are treated in historical novels, with emphasis on how current cultural values have shaped the fiction, are presented. Finally, the question of whether novels in this genre are bound by anything other than their respective period setting is posed, and it is contended that there are features common to YA historical novels that not only set the genre apart from other YA fiction, but also contribute something unique to the larger genre.

The genesis for much classroom debate, suggestions for class discussions and writing assignments as well as sample written responses of these debates from the authors' classes are included. Teachers, librarians, instructors of young adult literature courses, and teen readers will find this an insightful analysis of YA historical fiction.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Young adult historical fiction brings the past alive through stories of adventure, suspense, and mystery. The genre is both complex and controversial, encompassing novels that range from romance and fantasy to stark historical realism. The book examines the various approaches to young adult historical fiction and explores the issues that it has engendered.

Part One focuses on the broader issues spawned by the genre itself, including its various subgenres - the line between fiction and fact; to what degree must an author adhere to historical accuracy?; time boundaries; the diary format; the protagonist as the outsider; who is entitled to write what?; and literary concerns such as the relationship between accuracy and readability. Part Two explores issues of contemporary interest, such as race, class, gender, the immigrant experience, religion, war, and nationalism. Thought-provoking discussions of how these elements are treated in historical novels, with emphasis on how current cultural values have shaped the fiction, are presented. Finally, the question of whether novels in this genre are bound by anything other than their respective period setting is posed, and it is contended that there are features common to YA historical novels that not only set the genre apart from other YA fiction, but also contribute something unique to the larger genre.

The genesis for much classroom debate, suggestions for class discussions and writing assignments as well as sample written responses of these debates from the authors' classes are included. Teachers, librarians, instructors of young adult literature courses, and teen readers will find this an insightful analysis of YA historical fiction.

More books from Scarecrow Press

Cover of the book Blood, Guns, and Testosterone by Joanne Brown, Nancy St. Clair
Cover of the book A Manual for the Performance Library by Joanne Brown, Nancy St. Clair
Cover of the book Historical Dictionary of the Crusades by Joanne Brown, Nancy St. Clair
Cover of the book Islam in Africa South of the Sahara by Joanne Brown, Nancy St. Clair
Cover of the book Yogaku by Joanne Brown, Nancy St. Clair
Cover of the book Handbook to Bach's Sacred Cantata Texts by Joanne Brown, Nancy St. Clair
Cover of the book The Singer's Repertoire, Part IV by Joanne Brown, Nancy St. Clair
Cover of the book The London Stage 1890-1899 by Joanne Brown, Nancy St. Clair
Cover of the book Drum Kit Secrets by Joanne Brown, Nancy St. Clair
Cover of the book Historical Dictionary of Colombia by Joanne Brown, Nancy St. Clair
Cover of the book Experiencing Verdi by Joanne Brown, Nancy St. Clair
Cover of the book The Singer's Repertoire, Part II by Joanne Brown, Nancy St. Clair
Cover of the book Historical Dictionary of Ice Hockey by Joanne Brown, Nancy St. Clair
Cover of the book Starting Out Right by Joanne Brown, Nancy St. Clair
Cover of the book How Information Technology Is Conquering the World by Joanne Brown, Nancy St. Clair
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy